A Twisted Plot (Luc)

[Chasity Atherton]

It had been a long week for Chasity and she couldn't wait to get to Hogsmeade. Besides, in her opinion, there was nothing better than a smooth drink to warm up a cold day. She walked slowly into the Three Broomsticks and ordered a butterbeer. She was in a leather mood, from her jacket to her heeled boots, and she knew it was drawing attention, but that was the way she wanted it. She'd been avoiding James since the incident with Lily, and though she desperately wanted to see him, she didn't want him to know that. She'd shown him enough weakness, opened her heart to him. She'd kissed him! It was a stupid thing to do. And then she'd put his sister in the hospital after that stupid duel. James effected Chasity deeply, and it wasn't something the Slytherin liked. It would easier to slip back into her manipulative cold-hearted self, and that's what she planned to do. She'd show up at the Halloween bash looking sexy, and walk right by him. Let him see what he was missing out on. Maybe he'd pause and follow her with his eyes, or maybe he wouldn't, but every guy there would want her. It wasn't too long from now, too late to find a date, but she'd make up for it. He would never see her alone, or standing vulnerable in the corner wishing he would talk to her. She wanted to him to regret. Sure, it wasn't a mature move and it probably wouldn't change anything, but it would give her a feeling of control and that was the only way she knew how to deal with things. When she opened up to him, and been completely honest with him and he rejected her, it had stung. Her trust had been shattered, and though she still liked him, she had decided that he would never hurt her again.

More students were making their way into the Broomstick and taking seats. She saw some other Slytherin girls whispering in the corner, and heard something about Lily and the duel. A cold glare in that direction shut them up quickly. It was time to give everyone something else to whisper about. It was time to let them all see that Chasity wasn't someone to be toyed with. Lily's condition after the duel, though she regretted it immensely, would make them all pause before starting anything with her. The real Chasity hadn't been visible for very long, and it was time to be the girl they had always thought she was. The nasty, cruel, and cold Slytherin princess. Her eyes iced over as she ordered another drink. She would show up the party and she would show them. She would show him what it felt like to be discarded.

The door opened again, and she turned her head just enough to see who had come in. It was a guy from school. She briefly looked him up and down and turned back to the counter. She wasn't sure what House he was in, but he wasn't a Slytherin. He was cute. And there wasn't a girl hanging on his arm. Maybe it wasn't too late to get a hot date...


Words: 566
Outfit: Click
Mood: Sexy, Naughty, Bitchy by Tata Young
Comments: This should be fun.

[Luc Norwood]

Luc entered The Three Broomsticks pub with the idea of finding shelter against the the cold October winds. Hoping ever so slightly he'd catch a glimpse of the person Penny liked to call his mystery girl. He'd vaguely made an effort to look like something today in case he ran into her. A black button down in place of his normal t-shirt and he'd traded his favorite hoodie for the jacket he now wore. His best pair of denim trousers and black boots completed the look, but it was for nothing. He hadn't seen Daniella around town, and she didn't seem to be here either. Well, that was just great, he shook his head as he went to the counter to order a butterbeer. It was shaping up to be an odd month, in his opinion. An older Slytherin girl had piqued his interest only to be a touch confusing and very much busy. Quidditch season had started, but it didn't seem to be helping him much this year. Perhaps that had more to do with his ex-girlfriend Penny, or rather her new boyfriend James.

James it seemed, had not yet decided if he was cool with idea of Luc and Penny being friends despite having dated before. One day, they could easily joke about the difficulty they shared with their sister's dating and the next... well, Luc was having problems finding reasons why he should like James. Penny had told him that James was just awkward in general, but the seventh year Gryffindor was starting to wear on his patience. It wasn't as if he and Penny were doing anything wrong for James to even have a reason to be worried. Though if he kept at it, Luc would give him a reason. He still cared for Penny, and if he tried, he could probably slip back into those feelings for her.

His butterbeer arrived and Luc looked around with a fresh eye, taking in his surroundings. He'd been too preoccupied in his quest for his mystery girl to take notice that he wasn't the only student at the counter. A very attractive leather-clad, blonde girl in his year was there enjoying a warmed butterbeer as well. Luc recognised her as Chasity Atherton, the Slytherin girl James was friends with. She'd always read as cold to him, the epitome of an ice princess. He'd said as much to Penny when they had been going down the list of girls he could possibly go to the Halloween Festival with despite being very late in the game. A date would hopefully soothe James enough to see that Luc was not in fact trying to steal Penny back. At least this was the theory anyway. Whether or not Chasity was open to the idea of Luc taking her, much less having a date at all remained to be seen.

Hell, Luc thought as he took a sip. It was worth a shot. He gave the girl a smile and raised his mug by way of greeting.

---

Words: 511
Outfit: Click
Mood: Riot by 3 Days Grace
Comments: Bring it on.

[Chasity Atherton]

Chasity remained aware of Luc's movements through the crowded room, and was slightly surprised when he took a seat near her and ordered a drink. He sat for a moment, appearing to be deep in thought, before raising his glass in her direction. She raised an eyebrow delicately and returned the gesture. Chilly day out, isn't it? Now that he was closer, she recognized him from Quidditch. He played for Ravenclaw, with James' girlfriend. In fact... if she remembered correctly, he had dated Penny. A slow smile spread as she realized how convenient that would be. The wheels in her mind were turning. Being at the party with him, maybe Penny would go down memory lane and see what she was missing. A twinge of jealousy, perhaps. She could possible decide to give Luc another shot, if she still loved him at all. So even if James wasn't affected by seeing Chasity with another guy, maybe it would work out with the same effect. Looking forward to the Halloween party? she inquired casually. She crossed her legs and leaned slightly sideways against the counter, somewhat facing him now. Time to turn on the charm, she told herself.

[Luc Norwood]

Chasity raised an eyebrow, and for a couple seconds Luc almost decided this effort would be fruitless. What was he thinking pursuing a date with someone like Chasity? Luc didn't buy into house stereotypes, but they had to come from somewhere, didn't they? If the rumors were to be believed, this girl could easily be the poster child. But then, she not only returned his gesture, she surprised him further by speaking. "Chilly day out, isn't it?"

He nodded with a smile, "Getting to be that time of year." Luc took a sip of his butterbeer, letting the liquid warm him from the inside out. Even though he wore a jacket, the combination of the blustery wind and cooling air seemed to cut through without any effort. Perfect weather for playing Quidditch. He looked to Chasity again, she played chaser if he remembered correctly, though with her slim figure she could easily play Seeker. "I'm Luc Norwood," he said with another smile. Thankfully he was between sips when she spoke again, or else he'd been liable to choke...

"Looking forward to the Halloween party?"

Was this a sign this endevour was going to be easier then expected? Or was she just making friendly conversation. Chasity didn't seem the type to make polite banter, so Luc put his cards on it being the former rather then the latter. Though what the end game was, he hadn't yet figured out. He could at least enjoy the ride along the way though, right? His smile turned charming as he considered the possibility. She was now leaning against the counter, almost turned to face him as she spoke and he mirrored her posture to look at her better.

"Yes, been looking forward to it all month, though I didn't manage snag a date," he took another sip, "Should be fun either way though, right? What about you?"

[Chasity Atherton]

She loved the smile he gave her as he answered the question, it added to the already handsome face. So, he doesn't have a date yet either. This is too good to be true! She took a drink of the butterbeer then sat it down again before replying, Hmm, yes, parties are always fun. I'm going alone as well, unfortunately. She leaned in a little, with a slight pout. I think most of the guys are a little put off from rumors about that duel. Some of that has been blown waaay out of proportion of course, but as a result, no one has asked me yet. Kind of a downer. The frown that crossed her face was genuine; the rumors really were pissing her off. She overheard some second years saying that she had used the Cruciatus curse on Lily, for Merlin's sake! How ridiculous! So, it was also true that some of the guys that had shown a little interest in her previously had changed their mind after that. Not that she would have said yes to any of them, being typical Slytherin asses and all. But this Luc was cute, didn't seem like a jerk, and was obviously single. He seemed to be showing some sort of interest, maybe. Even if her plan to make a certain Gryffindor jealous didn't work, there was no harm in having some fun on Halloween.

[Luc Norwood]

The only word that came to mind when Chasity admitted her own dateless status was... Jackpot. She leaned forward slightly and even threw in a small pout for good measure. A gesture not many girls could pull off as effectively, but she now had Luc's full attention. This was turning out better then he could have ever imagined. He'd have to thank Penny for the suggestion at some point, he was sure. For now he had to see this through, of course. When she continued however, he gave a slight frown himself. The rumors she spoke of, among others, had very nearly driven him away as well. He'd heard a few different versions of what had taken place during the duel, and not all of them shone a very nice light on the blonde girl in front of him. He didn't like to make assumptions based on what other people said, but it didn't help that most of the time she wore a piss off expression. However, that did not seem to be the case at the moment and Luc gave another slow smile.

"Is that so? That is a downer," he nodded sympathetically. "No good at all, really. Not nearly as fun going alone." Luc took another sip to contemplate his next words. She seemed mildly interested, but he didn't want to come off as presumptuous either.

[Chasity Atherton]

Hmm... He hadn't jumped on the opportunity to ask her to the dance, which mean one of two things. Either, he wasn't interested in asking her, which would be unfortunate, or he wasn't sure if she was. She laughed lightly, running her fingers through her hair. So Luc, what's your excuse for not having a date? she asked with a smile. I'm sure the girls were lining up for a cute single guy like yourself. She wasn't flirting over-the-top, but with the smile and tone she was using, Chasity was hopeful that he would pick up on it. It wasn't desperation, just interest. She wanted a date to the dance, and she wasn't about to sink low enough to ask a guy out. That would mean losing control of the entire situation. Being asked and accepting was one thing, but asking and leaving the door open for rejection was unacceptable.

Comment: Sorry it's short!

[Luc Norwood]

If there were any doubt before of whether or not Chasity might be interested, it was gone now. She ran her fingers through her hair the way only a girl who was flirting could get away with. The smile and the tone of her question could easily back up his theory. His excuse for not having a date was because he'd not bothered to find one in the hopes Daniella would make his life easier. Since that wasn't exactly an explanation that would fly with a prospective date, he had to reevaluate his answer. Her follow up comment about him being not only cute, but very much single hit him weirdly. Penny had said pretty much the same thing before trying to help with ideas. He didn't exactly enjoy being single, and if he had things his way, he wouldn't be. But, things didn't always work out exactly the way he thought they would. He shook his head to clear it a bit and refocus on the situation at hand.

"I guess I just hadn't run into someone I'd like to ask, you know?" That wasn't a lie, he hadn't run into his first choice in some time, but Chasity didn't need to know that. "The end result is the same though, right? We're both going alone." He finished off his butterbeer and put the empty mug on the counter and gave her another smile. "Maybe we could go alone, together?"

[Chasity Atherton]

Alone together? She smiled back at him. She paused for a moment and tilted her head slightly. I guess if you have to go to a party alone, being with someone else is the way to do it. Now the set-up was perfect. Being there with Luc would ensure that she drew the needed attention, but also ensure that she had a decent time doing it. So, what's your costume? She was going as a ballerina, and she hoped that whatever he had chosen wouldn't clash too badly, but it wasn't particularly important. The only thing that mattered now was making her cover believable. Everyone there had to think that she was there with Luc, simply because she wanted to be with him. Especially James Potter. It simply wouldn't do for him to know that this was all just to get back at him for turning her down. Revenge is sweet, she told herself, ignoring the part of her heart that screamed out against it. Chasity couldn't let the thought that this was wrong break through and ruin it all. She had carefully sculpted the personality that she'd wanted others to see, and dropping it for that short time with James had taught her that she couldn't just be herself. That Chasity was weak, vulnerable, and at the mercy of others. In other words, completely unacceptable.

[Luc Norwood]

The non-chalant flirting was going quite well in his opinion. She tilted her head and agreed to the sentiment of being seen with someone went a lot further then just showing up alone. Where James was concerned Luc knew he couldn't afford to show up alone if he intended to not get into it yet again with the older boy. Chasity might not have been his first choice, but she would do just fine in achieving his goal of getting James off his back about his friendship with Penny. If however James continued being a jerk about the whole thing, maybe Penny would wise up and dump him. It was a win/win situation in Luc's opinion. At the very least, Chasity as his date would make for an interesting night, and with the kind of month he'd been having thus far... he could use one.

"I'm going as Indiana Jones," he said before realizing that as a pure-blood Chasity might not recognize the muggle icon. "He's a treasure hunter from a movie series," he tried to explain before shaking his head, "What about you?" If her current attire was any indication what her outfit was going to be for the festival, he and Chasity would turn more then a couple heads.

[Chasity Atherton]

The name Indiana Jones didn't ring any bells, but then he explained that it was a Muggle reference. Treasure hunter? Muggle treasure couldn't be very exciting though... Well, I'm going as a ballerina. That's a Muggle thing too, but they're very lovely and delicate. She looked out the window, noticing the sun setting quickly. The trip to Hogsmeade had been a success, and though she would like nothing more than to sit in the warm room flirting with her new, acquaintance, she was looking forward to crawling into bed. Where do you want to meet before the party? It's getting pretty late. We should probably get back to the castle. Halloween was only a few days away, and she becoming more and more exciting about her twisted plot. It was nice meeting you, Luc. I'm sure we'll have a great time at the party.

[Luc Norwood]

Visions of slim girls in leotards and tights filled his head when Chasity told him she would be going as a ballerina. He wasn't sure if delicate was exactly the word he would use to describe his new found date, well, not clad in leather anyway. Lovely on the other hand, that he could buy. She was a very pretty looking girl. Perhaps he was developing something of a weak spot for blonde Slytherin girls? That was a new thought, considering the circumstances. Not that the two could even be compared to one another, he reminded himself. Although he knew about the same amount of off hand knowledge of Chasity as he'd learned about Daniella first hand. Which was to say, not very much at all. Thankfully, Chasity spoke again, forcing him back the conversation.

He nodded in agreement that it was in fact getting late. It ended the light flirting, but there would be time enough for that later, Halloween was only a few days away. He could wait. Today had been more productive then originally anticipated. So, he hadn't found Daniella again, but he'd come across an available girl after all. Either way, he'd accomplished what he'd set out to do, find someone to take to the festival. "We'll meet in the Entrance Hall, go down together?" That way he could max out the chances to be seen with Chasity. Give James something to chew on while Luc enjoyed his time with his date. Luc gave Chasity a final smile, "I'm sure we will. And it was nice meeting you as well, Chasity."